Each of these technologies has their advantages and disadvantages rely on functionalities. As per my perspective none of technology is best in their field, but yes they are full fill requirement to utilizing api, extensions, plugins and modules. Magento and CS Cart are two very well understand name in online eCommerce system in php.
Where Magento (Community version) is complimentary offered for download and CS-Cart including paid license purchase based. Both has advantages and downsides in their application, support and online file.
Here is a detailed comparison between both of these, have a look.
| A. Basic | Magento | CS Cart |
| 1. Open source | Yes(100%) | Yes(100%) |
| 2. Framework | Zend | CS-Cart |
| 3. MVC Structure | Good | Good |
| 4. Frontend Speed | Good | Good |
| 5. Backend Speed | Good | Good |
| 6. Mobile | Good | Good |
| 7. Multi-store | Pretty well | Average |
| 8. Multi-vendor | None | Good |
| B. UED (User Environment Design) | Magento | CS Cart |
| 9. Frontend Design | Pretty well | Not bad |
| 10. Backend Design | Good | Perfect |
| 11. Responsive/Adaptive | Good | None |
| 12. Easy Design | None | Pretty well |
| 13. AJAX-based | Good | Average |
| 14. Shopping Experience | Good | Good |
| 15. Admin Experience | Good | Pretty well |
| C. Catalog | Magento | CS Cart |
| 16. Cross Selling | Good | Good |
| 17. Product Comparison | Pretty well | Pretty well |
| 18. Wishlist | Good | Good |
| 19. Intelligent Recommendations | Not bad | Not bad |
| 20. Product Reviews | Not bad | Bad |
| 21. Product Filters | None | Perfect |
| 22. HTML5 Image Uploader | Pretty well | None |
| 23. Import/Export | Bad | Good |
| 24. Bulk Product Update | None | Good |
| D. SEO | Magento | CS Cart |
| 25. SEO Score | 78% | 95% |
| 26. URL Rewrite | Pretty well | Pretty well |
| 27. Canonical URL | None | None |
| E. Promotions | Magento | CS Cart |
| 28. Coupons | Good | Perfect |
| 29. Gift Certificates | None | Good |
| 30. Free Shipping | Not bad | Not bad |
| 31. Discounts | Not bad | Perfect |
| 32. Affiliates | None | Good |
| 33. Newsletters | Not bad | Good |
| 34. Reward Points | None | Good |
| 35. Sell On Ebay | Good | None |
| F. CMS | Magento | CS Cart |
| 36. News or Blog | None | Average |
| 37. Custom Contact Form | None | Perfect |
| 38. Polls | None | Not bad |
| 39. Banners Management | Not bad | Perfect |
| 40. Testimonials | None | Not bad |
| 41. Email Templates | Bad | Not bad |
| G. Order | Magento | CS Cart |
| 42. Return Requests | Not bad | Good |
| 43. Recurring Plans | None | Good |
| 44. Packing Slips | Average | Good |
| 45. Order Statuses | Pretty well | Good |
| 46. Abandoned Cart | None | Average |
| 47. Multi-languages | Pretty well | Good |
| 48. Multi-currencies | Good | Good |
| 49. Multi-warehouse | None | Perfect |
| 50. Taxes | Pretty well | Pretty well |
| 51. Store Locator | Pretty well | Good |
The features list and rating is according to the design, development, implementation and testing experience by magento and cs-cart experts.
